Can Bangladeshi batsman equal Test world record against India?

Fatullah (Bangladesh), June 9: When Bangladesh and India take the field in their one-off Test tomorrow (June 10) here, the local fans will have their eyes on one batsman, who is on the verge of equalling Test world record.

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Bangladesh's young batsman Mominul Haque will be under the spotlight at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium as he can match AB de Villiers' feat with another half century.

So far, the 23-year-old Haque has scored 11 fifties in consecutive Tests. The record is 12, held by South Africa's De Villiers.

The Proteas' right-hander achieved the record by scoring a 50 plus in each of his 12 Tests between November, 2012 and February, 2014.

Now, Haque, who started his dream run against New Zealand in October, 2013, has already matched Vivan Richards, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag with 11 scores of 50 and above. His latest one was a 68 against Pakistan last month.

The left-hander, however, said he is not thinking of the record when he plays tomorrow. "I am not thinking about whether I will be next to anyone or not. I am just going to play this Test like any other. And I hope I can live up to the expectations that the people of this country have. These stats don't provide a special inspiration. When you (the media) come and tell me about some record that's when I become aware of it," Haque told local media.

When one of the journalists asked him to "rate his competition with De Villiers", he was stunned and said, he was "nowhere near him".

"I am nowhere near him (De Villiers). He is a king in all formats. I don't think I am a competition for him by any means," he said.

After the lone Test, India and Bangladesh will feature in 3-match ODI series starting on June 18. India have never lost a Test to Bangladesh.

Half centuries in consecutive Test matches

12 - AB de Villiers (South Africa)

11 - Mominul Haque, Vivan Richards (West Indies), Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag (both India)

10 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Sachin Tendulkar (India)

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